Month: March 2018

I absolutely love fresh strawberries when they are in season and my favorite way to enjoy them is when they are covered in chocolate! My mom was always a great cook, as is my sister. But I never did well following recipes because I loved improvising. A few years back, I was about to make a cheesecake and some chocolate-covered strawberries for a neighborhood barbecue. True to form, I went off the grid and came up with this beautiful pie! I have entered this recipe in contests three different times and won every time. If you would like to impress your family and friends, give this a try. Beautiful, delicious and EASY, I promise!

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis spoke with airmen during a town hall at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Mattis’ visit included a meeting with base leadership and a town hall where he answered airmen’s questions. Photography by Staff Sgt. Jeremy L. Mosier.

Hundreds of Idahoans converged on the state Capitol for STEM Matters Day to explore and celebrate innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning. The third annual event, organized by the Idaho STEM Action Center, attracted students, educators, elected officials, businesses and STEM advocates from across the state.

The Boise Farmers Market Season begins Saturday, April 7, on the corner of 10th and Grove Streets, and will be open Saturdays through October. Along with all the fantastic farm-fresh produce, visit these vendors and try out these fun finds. For more information on events and vendors, visit TheBoiseFarmersMarket.com.

Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food—because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. There are many St. Jude patients in the Treasure Valley area that receive treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and who benefit from the life-saving research that is shared with hospitals throughout Idaho and around the world.

It all started with a desire to bring a little piece of European sensibility back home to Boise, so Clay and Josie Erkins did just that when they realized there was a need for unpackaged and local produce in Boise. While living in Germany near a beautiful village where they worked as civilians teaching different recreational activities to the military, the Erkinses experienced the craftsman style, artisan culture of food and fell in love with it. They quickly did their research and learned about internship opportunities where they could work on farms and learn about the process. They first started at a small farm called Cosmic Apple in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and eventually found themselves volunteering for an Idaho farm called Joan’s Greens. When the owner wanted to give up the day-to-day aspect of farming, Clay and Josie took over, and in 2002, Peaceful Belly was born. Aptly enough, Josie’s pregnancy, along with the post-9/11 climate of tension and violence, inspired their name and mission, following the idea that “if people aren’t filled with good food, there can’t be peace in the world.”

Spring has finally sprung! As the last dredges of winter make their way out, and we can finally begin to stop and smell the roses, it’s also a good time to remind ourselves to take the time to appreciate our beautiful planet.

Pedaling my mountain bike down the trail and feeling soft dirt under my tires is as welcome as a powder day when I am snowboarding. A bike ride in the foothills is a rite of spring and one I look forward to all season. I ride year-round, but spring is a chance to get out on the trails when conditions are perfect. No muddy trails, ice or sweltering heat and moon dust.

It’s time to turn over the soil and get growing. The gardens at the Chateau des Fleurs are bursting with more than 200 different types of vegetables this year. Chef Richard Jimenez has generously shared a make-at-home version of his beet salad. The original version of this complex dish involves many techniques that might be a stretch for the average home cook. This simplified version will transform the way you feel about beets. For a truly magnificent salad, visit Le Coq d’Or to try the menu version. After trying this salad, you will want to have a ready supply of fresh beets, so don’t forget to plant some in your home garden.